ok, THANKS GOOD ADVICE . How about cranks, and heads are some better than others. Just trying to find out what to look for so I don't buy something I can't use. What I've been reading kind of goes along with what you wrote.I think I read if you use flat top pistons, 72 head's (better breathing heads?) a good cam, headers, 800cfm carb, intake (limited with shaker hood) I should be in the ball park and somewhere around 9 to 1 ratio which should be fine for regular. Does this sound right or should I do something else? Any common problems with these motors I should be looking for? Sorry for all the questions, but need some education on pontiacs.